Sharon Winton
UMBC
MD

Scope on the Skies: Neptune—The planet exterior to Uranus

Fri, Apr 22, 2011 4:13 PM
A Major Math Find!

This article reveals the intriguing history behind the discovery of Neptune, the first planet to be discovered through mathematical calculations. Controversy over what scientist and country should have credit for the find gives the reader a glimpse of the highly competitive world of science in 1843. The article provides easy to understand information about the planet Neptune: number of moons, average temperatures, planet composition, etc. This is followed by a description of spotting planets in the night sky, where they will be located and best dates for viewing as per the article’s publication date of Nov 2007. The “Questions for Students” section provides a few questions that assist in article review and comprehension.

Scope on the Skies: And then there were eight

Fri, Apr 22, 2011 3:58 PM
PLanets Redefined

This short, 3 page, article gives a direct and concise explanation of categorizing solar system objects that circle the Sun into 3 categories: planets, dwarf planets, and small solar system bodies. A detailed chart featured as part of the article provides specific orbital information for each. Helpful to a teacher is the section “Questions for Students”. These could be used to base classroom instruction upon, or as a self-directed study for the more advanced middle school student.